Klein Bill to Hold Graffiti Vandals Accountable Passes Chamber

ALBANY, NY -- Legislation by Senator Jeffery D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), that would make convicted graffiti vandals participate in a clean-up program as part of their sentence passed the State Senate today.

The bill, (S.585), which passed unanimously, came as a result of Senator Klein's work to clean up graffiti and other blights in the communities that he represents. Senator Klein sponsors a graffiti removal program that cleans up 80 to 90 sites a month in the Bronx and Westchester areas.

“Graffiti creates blight, damages property and causes financial hardship for taxpayers and business owners,” Senator Klein said. “My legislation will provide relief to graffiti victims, as well as give these vandals an up-close look at the damages that they caused.”

The legislation will require courts to assign anyone convicted of making graffiti, or being in possession of a graffiti instrument, to participate in a local graffiti removal program. There are exceptions in the event that no such local program exists, or that such a clean-up would be unnecessarily dangerous.

Permission from the owner would also be needed to clean up private property.